Description
These delicious Salmon Balls are a perfect blend of fresh salmon, aromatic herbs, and spices, baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty and creamy avocado sauce made with Greek yogurt and fresh lime, this dish is a delightful appetizer or light meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Balls
- 1 pound fresh salmon, skinless and boneless
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (to thin the sauce, if necessary)
Instructions
- Preheat or Prepare Cooking Surface: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking the salmon balls, or prepare a skillet by heating olive oil over medium heat for stovetop cooking.
- Prepare Salmon: Dice the salmon into small pieces or pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped to maintain some texture without puréeing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the salmon with breadcrumbs, green onions, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Shape Salmon Balls: Using clean hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet if you are baking.
- Cook on Stovetop: For stovetop cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add salmon balls and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Bake Salmon Balls: If baking, place the salmon balls in the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until firm and completely cooked through.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: While salmon balls cook, combine ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick, blending to the desired consistency.
- Cool Slightly: Once cooked, remove salmon balls from heat and let them cool slightly to retain shape and flavors.
- Serve: Serve the warm salmon balls with the creamy avocado sauce on the side for dipping, enjoying this fresh and tasty dish.
Notes
- You can choose to bake or pan-fry the salmon balls according to your preference.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- If the salmon mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to help it hold together better.
- The avocado sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 day; add water or lime juice to refresh consistency before serving.
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salmon balls, avocado sauce, creamy dip, healthy appetizer, seafood balls, baked salmon balls
